Hilton titled the news release announcing upcoming changes to its Honors loyalty program as follows: “Hilton Honors Delivers Even More to Its Members in 2018 with Industry-Leading Earn Rates and New Benefits.”

The changes are a significant devaluation for Blue and Silver elite members, who will earn fewer points for every $1 spent at Hilton, with no compensating benefits additions. For Gold and Diamond elites, the combination of rollover nights, elite-status gifting, and milestone bonuses will make the program modestly more valuable.

Hilton claims the changes are being made “in direct response to extensive member feedback, as the latest chapter in the continuous evolution of Hilton Honors.” Given how much of a downgrade the changes represent for the majority of program members, one can only wonder which Honors members’ feedback Hilton took into consideration. It certainly wasn’t Blue and Silver members.

Bottom line: More for the few, less for the many. But that doesn’t make a good news release title.

Trending on Smarter Travel

SmarterTravel.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. SmarterTravel.com also participates in the SkimLinks and SkimWords affiliate programs.